Bigger Apple Watch 2 Battery Doesn’t Mean Longer Life

The Apple Watch 2 may pack a bigger battery, assuming a new photo is legit. If so, that could mean longer battery life for Apple’s second generation smartwatch, but it could be powering new features instead.

The image first appeared on China’s Weibo website, and was reposted on Twitter by @the_malignant saying, “#AppleWatch2 purported battery pack show an increased capacity. From 0.94 Wh-246 mAh to 1.28 Wh-334 mAh (Weibo)”

That makes for nearly a 36% improvement over the current Apple Watch battery, which sounds great because it means users can go longer between recharging—assuming nothing else on the watch changes. Apple isn’t likely, however, to upgrade just the battery.

Reports claim the next Apple Watch model will include a built-in GPS, barometer, and possibly even a cellular data connection. While the data connection isn’t very likely, the GPS and barometer are, and they’ll put a big strain on the current Apple Watch battery—a problem that calls for a bigger battery.

Apple Watch 2 battery may get a 35% boost

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple plans to release the second generation Apple Watch this fall with a GPS and barometer, faster processor, thinner display surface, and improved waterproofing. The new models will be available in 38mm and 42mm sizes, just like the current versions. Other power hungry features, such as cellular data and new fitness sensors, will show up in future models.

That means we’re most likely still looking at nightly Apple Watch charging despite the new model’s higher capacity battery. That fits with Apple’s modus operandi: give us more features, but keep the overall battery life the same.